Some diseases, especially breast cancer, may require removal of the breast by mastectomy.
In such cases, breast reconstruction, which is a reconstruction process, is applied to restore the breast to an old and aesthetic appearance.
There are several different techniques used in breast reconstruction surgeries. The technique to be used is decided according to the metabolic status, cancer stage and physiological state of the patients.
In women who have had their breasts removed due to breast cancer, reconstruction and breast repair are performed surgically. Thus, on the one hand, the aesthetic problems that arise with the loss of the breast, and on the other hand, the psychological problems brought by this process can be overcome. If there is no problem in the general health of the patient, breast repair can be done immediately after mastectomy. Thus, it is ensured that women start their new lives without experiencing psychological problems. Thanks to the developing modern health technologies, an extremely natural appearance is formed after breast repair.
All patients whose breasts were removed by mastectomy are suitable for breast reconstruction surgery. In fact, some patients' breast reconstruction procedures can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy operation. However, patients whose general health status is not suitable or who have some special conditions may be advised to wait for breast repair. Among these special cases; smoking, obesity and high blood pressure can be indicated, especially if breast repair will be performed through the patient's own tissue, that is, flap transfer.
There are several different techniques used in breast repair operations. The technique to be used is decided according to the metabolic status, cancer stage and physiological status of the patients. The repair process can be performed with a prosthesis or with the patient's own tissues, that is, autogenous tissues. The details of these operations are as follows:
It is considered normal for patients to feel some pain after breast repair surgery, but all of these pains can be controlled with simple painkillers. Patients can be discharged between 2 and 5 days after the operation. In addition, the risk of infection is prevented by removing the fluid and blood accumulation in the area where the drain will be inserted during the hospitalization period. Removal of the drains can sometimes take up to 2 weeks, while the stitches can be removed after 7 to 10 days. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for patients to return to their daily lives.
Problems related to anesthesia, bleeding or edema are also valid for breast reconstruction surgeries as after any surgical intervention. These are risks that will not cause serious problems. It may take longer than normal for surgical scars to heal in smokers, and surgical scars will quickly become blurred in non-smokers. If the cancer recurs after the repair, this has nothing to do with the breast repair operation. At the same time, prostheses or methods used in breast repair do not prevent chemotherapy or radiotherapy from being taken again.
Choosing a specialist and experienced surgeon is of great importance in order to achieve success in breast repair operations and to avoid the need for a second operation. In addition, the appearance of the breast after the operation should be decided together by the patient and the surgeon before the operation, and a digital rehearsal should be performed whenever possible.
